Finland's Minister of Climate and the Environment, Sari Multala, highlighted the nation's pioneering efforts in circular economy solutions and innovative nature funding mechanisms at the European Business & Nature Summit in Helsinki. The summit, held on October 23-24, 2025, convened leaders to advance nature-positive business strategies.
The European Parliament has approved a five-year tuna fishing agreement with Cape Verde, allowing 56 EU vessels from Spain, France, and Portugal to operate in its waters. The deal, provisionally applied since July 2024, includes an annual EU financial contribution of €780,000 and aims to promote sustainable fisheries and combat illegal fishing.
Australia's proposed Environmental Protection Reform Bill, aimed at overhauling the EPBC Act, is drawing significant criticism from both the Coalition and the Greens. While the Greens decry the absence of a 'climate trigger' and pro-business leanings, the Coalition expresses concerns over red tape and the balance of power, casting doubt on the bill's passage.
Switzerland is investing 220 million Swiss francs over 15 years to overhaul its vast network of civil protection shelters. This modernization effort, driven by a changing global security situation and aging infrastructure, aims to ensure the functionality of shelters mandated by a 1963 law, which guarantees a protected space for every resident.
The Lao Green Business Forum 2025, held on October 24, 2025, in Vientiane, convened over 150 participants to establish a vision for the Lao People's Democratic Republic as a leading green business hub within ASEAN. Co-organized by XM Technovator and the Department of Forestry, the event highlighted sustainable enterprise, innovation, and policy alignment for a green economy.
Ireland's Minister of State for the Marine, Timmy Dooley, has instructed officials to vote against Norway's access to blue whiting in EU waters, citing alleged overfishing by non-EU states. This move comes amid proposed drastic quota reductions for 2026, threatening Ireland's seafood industry.
Archbishop Marinez Bassotto of Brazil emphasized the critical need for indigenous voices and environmental justice to be central to the upcoming COP30 climate talks in Belém, Brazil, scheduled for November 10-21, 2025.
Fugro has finalized extensive land and marine site investigations for TenneT Germany's LanWin1 and LanWin2 offshore grid connection projects. These surveys provide essential Geo-data for cable routing and installation, supporting Germany's 2 GW program to deliver clean energy to millions of European households.
Water Safety Ireland's National Annual Awards Ceremony is taking place today, October 21, 2025, at O'Reilly Hall, UCD, Dublin. The event honours 73 individuals for saving 53 lives from drowning and over 70 volunteers for their combined 1,755 years of service in water safety education.
Cambodian youth are actively participating in the Peace Education, Archives Preservation and Digitization, and Site Conservation for Youth Empowerment (PEACE) Project at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. This initiative, supported by UNESCO, KOICA, and the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, aims to connect young people with their nation's history, promote peace education, and empower them as custodians of memory.
Delhi-NCR's air quality significantly deteriorated to the 'very poor' category just before Diwali, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to implement Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-2). Measures include restrictions on construction, diesel generators, and public advisories to mitigate pollution.
Britain has launched a comprehensive national plan to train and recruit hundreds of thousands of workers for its burgeoning clean energy sector. The initiative aims to double the workforce to 860,000 by 2030, focusing on skilled trades and investing significantly in training and infrastructure to support the UK's net-zero ambitions.
Thousands gathered in Prague's Hradčany Square on October 19, 2025, to protest the potential appointment of a Motorists party member to lead the Environment Ministry. Environmental groups and scientists have voiced strong opposition, citing the party's anti-environmental stance and its leader's past statements.
Thousands of forest firefighters from across Spain converged on Madrid on October 18, 2025, to protest precarious working conditions, low salaries, and the lack of effective implementation of recently approved laws. The demonstration highlighted demands for professional recognition, stable employment, and improved safety measures amidst a challenging wildfire season.
The United States and Saudi Arabia are actively working to delay or block the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Net-Zero Framework for shipping. Citing concerns over increased trade costs, legal authority, and potential impacts on developing nations, their efforts are challenging the landmark climate measure designed to decarbonize global maritime transport by 2050.
The Italian government has once again delayed the implementation of its plastic tax, pushing the effective date from July 1, 2026, to January 1, 2027. This marks the latest in a series of postponements for the levy on single-use plastics, initially introduced in the 2020 Budget Law.
Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang called for joint international efforts to advance global green development and promote a clean, beautiful world at the 2025 annual general meeting of the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development (CCICED) in Beijing.
The city of Sendai has shot and killed a 1.4-meter-long male bear near a residential area in Taihaku Ward, marking the first application of Japan's revised wildlife protection and management law. The law, effective September, grants municipalities authority for emergency culling in populated areas amidst a surge in bear encounters and a record number of fatalities nationwide.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 'Green Bharat Mission' in New Delhi on October 15, 2025. The ambitious initiative aims for India to achieve 65% dependence on renewable energy sources by 2035, with a strong focus on solar, wind, and hydrogen projects nationwide.
Turkish environmental journalist and documentary filmmaker Hakan Tosun, 50, is in critical condition after being brutally assaulted in Istanbul. Found unconscious in Esenyurt, he suffered a brain hemorrhage. Family and colleagues suspect the attack is linked to his environmental reporting, with two suspects reportedly arrested.
